Once gastric cancer is diagnosed, important staging tests are performed
to determine if the cancer has spread, and if so, to what extent. The
type of treatment recommended depends upon the stage of the cancer and
may include options such as:

Surgery

The standard of care for gastric cancer is surgical removal of the tumor
with dissection of lymph node tissue around the surrounding structures.
The amount of stomach removed depends on the size and location of the
tumor. Surgery also removes as much of the lymph node tissue surrounding
the stomach as possible to remove all potential regional sites of tumor
spread and maximize the chance of cure.

When appropriate, minimally invasive techniques may be applied for the
operation, such as state-of-the-art robotic and laparoscopic gastrectomy,
which results in less scarring and discomfort, as well as a faster recovery
time for the patient. The Hoag-USC gastrointestinal surgical team has
not only one of the highest volumes and expertise for innovative gastric
cancer surgeries, but also the lowest morbidity and mortality rates.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs enter
the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells,
but also some healthy cells. Chemotherapy is often combined with surgery
in the treatment of gastric cancer. The utilization of chemotherapy is
selective, and may be used before or after surgery.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
On occasion, radiation therapy may also be necessary in the treatment
of gastric cancer based upon the type/stage of cancer. As a nationally
recognized leader in state-of-the-art radiation therapies,
Hoag’s Radiation Oncology Program is yet another example of the institute’s commitment to excellence
in innovative cancer treatment.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs that attack specific abnormalities within cancer
cells. The most common targeted therapies used to treat gastric cancer include:
Trastuzumab (Herceptin) for stomach cancer cells that produce too much HER2,
Imatinib (Gleevec) for a rare form of stomach cancer called gastrointestinal
stromal tumor, and
Sunitinib (Sutent) for gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

Tests are performed on your cancer cells to help your physician to determine
whether these targeted treatments are likely to work for you.

The Most Advanced Treatment Options Are Now Available in Orange County!

When it comes to seeking out the most advanced academic-level gastrointestinal
care, there is no longer any need to travel long distances.
Hoag Digestive Disease Center offers the latest in state-of-the-art diagnosis and leading-edge treatment
options that may not be readily available at other centers, including
participation in clinical trials that helps to bring advanced gastrointestinal
care to even more patients.

Perhaps the most distinguishing aspect of Hoag’s advanced treatment
of gastrointestinal conditions is that in each and every case, treatment
is always specifically tailored to the meet the unique needs of the individual patient.

Expert Care You Can Trust!

The Hoag Digestive Disease Center, in alliance with USC Norris Comprehensive
Cancer Center, continues to lead the way in complex gastrointestinal care,
providing access to a highly specialized surgical team that works collaboratively
with Hoag-affiliated GI and medical oncology specialists. Hoag’s
committed to
accurate diagnosis, combined with
progressive therapeutic options enables Hoag patients to achieve some of the highest clinical outcomes
in the nation.

To schedule a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, or a second-opinion
consultation with a Hoag gastroenterology expert, visit
Meet the Team, or call us at: 888-566-9712.